Wednesday, February 27, 2013

New to DVD and Blu-Ray -- Undefeated -- A Great Family-Friendly Film (Review)

"No hope. No future…until a football season united a team and revealed the character that turned them into heroes. UNDEFEATED, an Academy Award® winning documentary, (2011 Best Documentary Feature—Dan Lindsay, TJ Martin and Rich Middlemas), is the inspiring and moving tale of three underprivileged student-athletes from inner-city Memphis and the volunteer coach, Bill Courtney, trying to help them beat the odds on and off the field. "

My Thoughts:

Like I have said in the past, with two
young children at home, it is sometimes hard to get out to the theaters
and see a movie when it is released. So, I have to usually wait to see a movie when it becomes available on DVD or Blu-Ray. This was one more that was on the top of my list to see, as it reminded me of the Blind Side and Friday Night Lights.

I am not a big football fan, well really
not at all. I would much prefer to watch baseball, where there seems
to be more action, than just running up and down a field, tackling each
other. But, that is my opinion. I know that in the South, football is a
way of life for people. I witnessed this firsthand when we traveled to
Nashville and Atlanta a few years back and saw the crowds and
tailgaters at the local football games. But, I did find myself liking Friday Night Lights the movie and television series -- go figure!

Check out this video about the head
coach giving a speech to her football team. If this doesn't grab you
and make you want to see if the boys have a football season to remember,
I don't know what will.

What I loved most about this how Bill
Courtney, a former lumber salesman volunteered to help turn the Manassas
Tigers football team around. In addition to being an underfunded
school, the football team had poor equipment, terrible practicing
facilities and only 17 players. Their dream of a successful football
season for slim to none. But, Bill Courtney believed in them, and
within 5 years of his arrival, he turned the team around and brought
them towards playoffs, and making history. While the team got better on
the field, they also grew as men, learning about teamwork, discipline
and that dreams can come true. They could see that Coach Courtney
believed in them, and in turn, they began believing in themselves. This
movie is truly heartfelt and moving. I was on the edge of my seat,
crossing my figures that they would make it to the playoff. Did they?
And, did they win? You will have to see this movie for yourself to find
out.

If you liked the television series,
"Friday Night Lights", love football, or just a fan of inspiring
documentaries, then you must see Undefeated. It will not only warm your heart, but makes for a great family film to watch together.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this film by the vendor in order to write up an honest review. The views above are mine and mine alone.